Raspberry Almond Croissant Bread Pudding with Custard
This indulgent bread pudding transforms day-old croissants into a rich, custardy dessert studded with fresh raspberries and toasted almonds. The buttery croissants soak up a vanilla-almond custard base, creating a perfect balance of textures from crispy edges to creamy center. Ideal for brunch entertaining or special occasions, this make-ahead friendly dessert offers elegant presentation with minimal effort. The combination of tart raspberries and nutty almonds the classic bread pudding into something truly special.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 3 cups half-and-halfheavy cream1:1creamyadds dairy
richer custard
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 large croissants, torn into 1-inch piecesbrioche bread1:1bread
similar rich texture
- 1 ¼ cups raspberries
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- powdered sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven to 350°F and spray baking dish with cooking spray
- 2
Beat eggs, half-and-half, granulated sugar, vanilla, almond extract and salt with whisk in large bowl
- 3
Place torn croissants in baking dish and pour egg mixture over top
- 4
Push down gently so croissants absorb custard
- 5
Let stand 10 minutes and press again
- 6
Arrange raspberries on top of croissant mixture and sprinkle almonds over top
- 7
Bake 45 to 55 minutes or until browned and puffy
- 8
Let stand 15 minutes and sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar
Tips
Use day-old croissants for better custard absorption and structure
Press croissants twice during soaking to ensure even custard distribution
Check doneness by inserting knife in center - it should come out mostly clean
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat portions in microwave or oven.
Assemble up to overnight, cover and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if cold.
Serve warm or at room temperature. Excellent with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the pressing steps or custard won't absorb properly
Avoid overbaking to prevent dry, rubbery texture
Substitutions
similar rich texture
FAQ
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, assemble up to overnight and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if starting from cold.
What if I don't have croissants?
Brioche, challah, or day-old French bread work well as substitutes for similar rich texture.
How long does this keep?
Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave or oven.